LA has a new ‘safer at home’ order starting Monday: LAist

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A nurse at a November 23 vigil outside the UCLA medical center for healthcare workers who died from COVID-19. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

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As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, LA County officials on Friday afternoon issued a new, safer home order which prohibits public and private gatherings with people outside your household, except for religious services and demonstrations.

The new ordinance allows most open businesses to remain open, but it reduces their maximum occupancy. he closes playgrounds and playrooms.

The ordinance goes into effect Monday and lasts three weeks, until December 20.

Schools and day camps can remain open as long as they follow reopening protocols, but if they have a COVID-19 outbreak (three or more cases in 14 days), they must close for 14 days.

Patty Sanchez wears a mask to protect herself against the coronavirus as she trains in a San Fernando park on November 24 (Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images)

The new order includes these details:

  • Occupancy limits in various companies; everyone at these sites is required to wear headgear and keep at least six feet away:
    • Essential retail (such as grocery stores) – 35% maximum occupancy (currently 50%)
    • Non-essential retail (including indoor malls) and libraries – 20% max occupancy (currently 25%)
    • Personal care services – 20% maximum occupancy
    • Outdoor-operated fitness centers – 50% maximum occupancy
    • Museums galleries, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens operating outdoors – maximum occupancy of 50%
    • Mini-golf, batting cages, go-kart races running outside – maximum occupancy of 50%
  • Outdoor leisure activities, all of which require a face mask (except swimming) and distance:
    • Beaches, trails and parks remain open; gatherings on these sites with members outside your household are prohibited.
    • Golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball, archery fields, skate parks, bike parks and community gardens remain open to individuals or members of the same household. Pools that serve more than one household may only open for regulated swimming with one person per lane.
    • Driving car movies / events / parades are allowed provided the occupants of each car are members of a household.

Earlier this week, county officials halted in-person service at food and beverage establishments, forcing restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries to return to take out, deliver and drive-thru only.

The LA County Department of Public Health on Friday confirmed 4,544 new cases of COVID-19, 24 new deaths from the virus and 1,893 current hospitalizations. That put the five-day average of new cases at 4,751, above the threshold of 4,500 that officials said would trigger a new, safer home order.

The infection rate has increased dramatically over the past month; Officials now estimate that one in 145 LA County residents is infected with COVID-19.

The spike in cases has raised concerns among health officials that hospitals – and their staff – may be overwhelmed with sick patients.

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